The Complete Idiot's Guide Big Book of Needle Arts & Crafts

Makes stitching a cinch! This is the essential reference book for anyone interested in needlepoint embroidery, quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and many other crafts. With 800 pages of information and projects, this book is the ultimate how-to book. For beginners and experts, this resource shows the best way to choose fabric, create blocks and patchwork quilts, use appliqué techniques, and use a sewing machine. It�s also great for batting, backing, and basting. Readers will have many options and ideas at their fingertips for finding the project that suits their needs, how to start it, how to finish it, and what to do if they make a mistake along the way. � Tools and techniques for embroidery, designing patterns, handling special stitches, and monogramming � Tips and tricks for needlepoint stitches, creating designs, adding flair, and finishing the needlepoint canvas � Recommended yarn and needle primers for knitting, casting on, purling, binding off stitches, increasing and decreasing, troubleshooting, adding color, and fixing common problems � Crocheting tools and stitches, creating an afghan, adding color, reading patterns, shaping, handling specialty stitches, and more � Basics of sewing including working with the machine, working with fabric and patterns, seams, basting, buttons, zippers, hems, and more � Includes patterns for making afghans, hats, window treatments, pillows and more � An excellent value for anyone who wants to learn more than one craft � Features both instructional/how-to content and project patterns that even beginners can make